Meanwhile, Back at the Feeders.

3-6-21 SHORT HILLS: It doesn’t feel like it with more than 50% snow cover and a cold wind blowing, but spring is on the way. Snowdrops are showing stalks and buds where the ground is open.

Migrating birds are returning to the feeders. Goldfinches showed up, still dressed in winter gray, a few weeks ago. Mourning Doves appeared about a week ago, Grackles a few days ago and Red-wing Blackbirds yesterday. Sunflower seed consumption is way up.

Mourning dove in the snow.

Grackles always look angry.

Red-wing Blackbirds seem to migrate with Grackles, but do not nest in the same areas.

Snowdrops are sometimes up in February.